The meat science research team has focused on increasing output related to the University's Food Security Initiative as part of the HOPE Project. Projects follow a holistic research approach by investigating intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence the meat quality and composition of various animal species, using a "gate-to-plate" focus. This has resulted in strong inter-departmental links being formed with the animal nutrition research colleagues in the Department, as well as those situated at the Elsenburg Animal Production Institute. The meat types that have been researched include red meat, poultry and fish, with a strong focus on the traditional farmed species. The research team is also renowned internationally for their research on exotic meats (game and ostrich).